I would advise them to get themselves physically fit and to maintain it. I would also say that a sense of humour is very important and the ability to laugh at themselves. They should have self discipline and be prepared to accept imposed discipline. Punctuality is very important as is respect for others. If they had sporting interests that would be a help.

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be drawn towards the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

Sheet Metal Worker

Sheet metal workers work with thin metal sheets (up to 3mm thick) which they bend, cut and shape using hammers, small presses, roller machines and guillotines.

Sheet metal workers work with sheet steel, galvanised steel, stainless steel, aluminium, copper, etc. and their work includes the cutting of these metals by using patterns or templates as guides, as well as shaping the metal by forming, bending, beating or rolling by means of manual and CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machinery.

Some sheet metal workers specialise in more complex techniques or in operating one or more of the machines.

Sheet metal workers are usually employed by firms manufacturing such articles as ventilation equipment, catering and food processing equipment, computer and data communications hardware and can also be involved in vehicle manufacture.

Sheet metal workers require many skills including:

Working with a variety of specialised hand and power tools to cut and shape the metal and to drill or punch holes

Knowledge of a range of piping systems

Interpreting technical drawings and diagrams

Understanding the scientific uses and properties of metals

Using mathematics to solve technical or scientific problems

Marking out and measuring

Operating CNC equipment

Hammering down (planish) excess surface weld metal

Note: Experience has shown that higher grades of entry than those suggested by SOLASare preferred for certain apprenticeships, due to the technical nature of the trade.

Apprentice rates are paid for the on-the-job phases of apprenticeships. The actual rates paid may vary depending on the occupation and employer. Generally, the rates will increase in a number of steps during the apprenticeship. For example:

All other Trades

Electrical

Apprentices

APPRENTICE RATE

€ / hr

€ / hr

1st Year Rate

2nd Year Rate

3rd Year Rate

4th Year Rate

5.73

8.61

12.91

15.49

6.22

9.33

13.48

16.59

Note: You should always seek details of specific rates of pay for apprentices from prospective employers.

Apprentice Student Contribution

The Annual Student Contribution is levied on students attending Higher Education Institutions including Institutes of Technology. As part of the changes included in Budget 2014, apprentices now pay the same contribution as full time students, but their contribution is based on the time they spend in the Institute or College.

The Student Contribution is payable to the IoT /College on the date of registration for the training phase. You should consult the relevant IoT/College for details of payment options.

Note: Apprentices are required to pay an examination fee to the IoT or College for repeat exams.

Female Apprentices' bursary for employers

To promote the entry of women into the designated apprenticeships, a bursary is available to employers to encourage an increased level of recruitment of female apprentices.

For more information Click here or contact your local ETB Training Centre.

Entry Requirements

The minimum age at which the employment of an apprentice may commence is 16 years of age. The minimum educational requirements are: 1. Grade D in five subjects in the Department of Education & Skills Junior Certificate Examination or an approved equivalent,or2. The successful completion of an approved Pre-Apprenticeship course or3. Three years’ work experience gained over sixteen years of age in a relevant designated industrial activity as SOLAS shall deem acceptable

Note: These are the current approved minimum educational requirements for apprenticeship programmes, however, previous experience of the following subjects would be an advantage but not essential:

Metalwork

Mathematics

Physics

Technical Drawing/Graphics

Engineering

Technology

Note: Experience has shown that higher grades of entry than those suggested by SOLAS are preferred for certain apprenticeships, due to the technical nature of the trade.

You must obtain employment as an apprentice in your chosen occupation.

The employer must be approved to train apprentices.

The employer must register you as an apprentice within two weeks of recruitment.

Are you interested in a construction apprenticeship?If so, register your interest by creating an account and uploading a short personal profile via this link.

Career Opportunities

On successful completion of the apprenticeship programme, apprentices are qualified to work within the recognised trade or profession.

Where apprentices and craftspersons have the necessary ability, initiative and basic qualifications, opportunities are available for advancement. These include advanced technology courses and management courses which are available in Institutes of Technology, Schools of Management and Professional Institutes.

Many craftspersons use their apprenticeship qualification as a platform to launch careers such as engineers, managers, owners of businesses, teachers and instructors amongst others.